Congratulations to Becky Bierman, RVT, (AS-VT 1976; BS-VT 1999), who was recognized at a reception May 31, on the occasion of her retirement as clinical trials coordinator for Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Center for Comparative Translational Research (CCTR). PVM faculty and staff gathered in the Veterinary Medical Library to wish Becky a happy retirement.
Becky was in the College’s first class of veterinary technician students, which graduated in 1976 and later was in the College’s first Bachelor of Science completion program class, earning her BS in Veterinary Technology in 1999. Becky joined the College of Veterinary Medicine as a staff member in 1990. During her 29-year career with the College, she worked in various positions, including as a small animal surgery technician early on, before she transitioned to small animal medicine and later assumed the responsibility of instructional technologist. In 2008, she became the clinical trials coordinator.
Dr. Gert Breur, professor of small animal surgery and director of the CCTR, spoke first at the retirement reception, and noted that Becky was the College’s first clinical trials coordinator. Dr. Breur assumed the directorship of the CCTR in 2013. He recalled how Becky was instrumental in fostering team cohesion. He also praised her for her computer savvy and organizational skills, as well as her excellent communication skills with owners, referring veterinarians, researchers, and fellow veterinary technicians. Additionally, he noted her role in fostering industrial relationships, which have generated funding that grew from nothing to an estimated $150,000 this year. “Thank you for everything you have done for the CCTR, and also for the friendship and all the contributions you have made,” Dr. Breur said.
Also during the ceremony, several other faculty members spoke, including Dr. Bianca Zenor, director of the Veterinary Nursing Program and a 2001 graduate of the Purdue DVM program. She commended Becky for being an influential leader in the profession for providing a framework for understanding how valuable veterinary technicians are in practice. “She modeled that behavior for me,” Dr. Zenor said, recalling her experience as a veterinary student in the College. “So her guidance and support will be a remaining memory with me.”
Kris Kazmierczak, RVT, veterinary research technical assistant in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences also spoke, recalling how both she and Pat Navarre, RVT, chief large animal technologist, who also was present, were both instructors when Becky was a student. Kris noted that Becky went on to work for her in surgery for a number of years. “So we moved from instructor and student to co-worker and friend. And I’m really going to miss her,” Kris said.
Dr. George Moore, clinical trials director and professor of epidemiology, concluded the ceremony, giving Becky the opportunity to introduce her family members who were present including her three daughters and several grandchildren. Noting that Becky will be transitioning now to spending more time with her own family and less time with her PVM family, Dr. Moore emphasized, “We are all very thankful for what Becky has done and her support and help…she has always been such a supporting and thankful person in the clinic.” Then Drs. Moore and Breur presented Becky with a commemorative etching of the College’s Continuum sculpture and an inscription that reads “With gratitude for many years of faithful service to PVM.”